Costume for the chief dancer of "kagura," sacred Shito music and dancing.

Since "Kagura" court dance and music was originated in order to comfort god's wish, the field style goes back to ancient times.

The costume of "kagura" shown in the photo is the style which has been succeeded since the middle term of Heian Era.

"kagura" has accompaniment of instruments such as "shaku-byoshi", "wagon" (=harp), "fue" (=flute), and "hichiriki" focusing on songs.

Since the leader of "kagura" group dances, it is called "nincho no mai," which means the dance of chief.

The form of "kagura" costume is just same as "ketteki no ho" of military officials, and it is called "omi goromo" or "aozuri no koromo."

"kenei" and "oikake" are attached to the crown -- having "hanpi", "wasure-o", "shita-gasane", "hitoe", "omote-bakama", "ooguchi", "shikai", "sekitai", "kaishi", and "shaku."

The dancer has a slender sword attached to his waist by "hirao (=string)", and has the white ring which imitated the mirror for "torimono no sakaki" in his hand.